wildlife management

NPWS seeks information on White-tailed Eagle found dead in Cavan

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is seeking any information relating to a White-tailed Eagle found dead on lands between Lough Ramar, County Cavan and Lough Sheelin, Co Westmeath and in November, 2022.

The eagle, part of a national re-introduction programme undertaken by the NPWS, was found to have been killed by ingesting poison used as a ‘pest control’. The NPWS is also urging people to be aware that the use of poisonous substances for the control of species such as foxes and crows is illegal and has been since 2010.

The healthy juvenile male White-tailed eagle – just over a year old – had been brought in as a chick in 2021 from Norway under phase two of a national re-introduction programme. Fitted with a small satellite tag prior to its release on Lough Derg in 2021 the bird had been largely spending time around Lough Sheelin (Co. Westmeath) and neighbouring counties and seemed to have settled into its new surroundings.

A further two White-tailed eagles have been observed in the general Westmeath area – a 2020 female released on Lough Derg (who has been largely staying on Westmeath lakes for nearly 18 months now) and a 2021 male released in Killarney National Park. These two birds have been in Westmeath since April of last year. Reaching maturity at around five years old, these young eagles will hopefully survive to strengthen the small Irish breeding population that has become established since the reintroduction programme began in 2007. The NPWS was delighted that three of these birds had chosen Westmeath as their new home, and their movements were being monitored, until the tag from the juvenile male White-tailed eagle indicated it was in the one spot in Cavan for a troubling length of time.

A local NPWS ranger collected the birds body on agricultural land in Cavan, and following the RAPTOR Protocol, a range of tests were carried out by staff of the Dublin Regional Veterinary Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at Backweston.

These immediately ruled out Avian Influenza, illegal shooting or trauma. Subsequent toxicology tests conducted by the State Laboratory, have confirmed it had been poisoned with an illegal substance, known as Carbofuran. It is not known how the eagle ingested this substance, but possibly from eating carrion (a dead animal) laced with it.

Carbofuran is a plant protection chemical (i.e. an insecticide) which is extremely toxic, particularly to birds. Studies in the United States in the 1990s showed a single granule alone, resembling a natural seed grain in size and shape, could kill a bird. Its approval for use in crop production was withdrawn over a decade ago in Ireland, and possession of carbofuran is illegal. Despite this, carbofuran and other poisons continue to be used to target wildlife in the wider countryside.

NPWS Regional Manager Maurice Eakin said that white-tailed eagles are a protected species under the Wildlife Acts, and this latest fatality once again highlights how prevalent this illegal practice continues to be.

“In this instance, it is particularly disturbing that the reckless laying of poison has resulted in the death of a White-tailed eagle, one of our largest and most majestic bird species, which had been persecuted to extinction by the early 1900s,” he said.

The potential for positive economic benefits from the re-introduction of the eagles has been demonstrated in Mountshannon, Co. Clare, when the first breeding pair in Ireland in over a century nested within sight of the village in 2012, attracting thousands of visitors over the following years.

Since its establishment in 2011, the RAPTOR Protocol (Recording and Addressing Persecution and Threats to Our Raptors), a collaborative initiative between the NPWS, the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (DAFM) and the State Laboratory, has quantified and highlighted the impact of illegal poisoning in Irish birds of prey.

Although some landowners may have in the past commonly used poisons to deliberately control crows and foxes, especially around lambing time, Mr Eakin said the NPWS would like to issue a reminder that use of poisonous substances for the control of foxes and crows is illegal and has been since 2010.

Mr Eakin said the NPWS is seeking any information from the public in the Westmeath/Cavan region, particularly anyone who may have seen any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in recent weeks in the general area between Lough Sheelin and Lough Ramar, of Co. Cavan, which may assist them with their enquiries.

Since 2020, almost all chicks released by the White-tailed Eagle project are satellite-tagged, which enables the project to follow their movements as they disperse and establish in new areas away from natal sites and, in cases like this, to determine the locations of any tagged birds which may be in trouble.

Anyone with information on the matter is asked to contact NPWS at 01-5393156. These matters will be treated confidentially. Alternatively, information can be supplied to An Garda Síochana.

Further information on NPWS work protecting raptors at: https://www.npws.ie/research-projects/animal-species/birds/raptors-and-owls

Further information on Phase 2 of the NPWS White-tailed Eagle project can be found at:

https://www.npws.ie/research-projects/animal-species/birds/white-tailed-eagle-phase-2

and more general information https://www.glengarriffnaturereserve.ie/white-tailed-sea-eagle-facts/

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

January 24, 2023

Motorists urged to be vigilant during deer breeding season

It’s autumn and in our forests and across our mountains, tensions are rising as the rutting or deer breeding season gets under way, the time of the year when male deer are driven by an urge to reproduce. From late September until early November the clash of antlers will be heard as males show off their virility to potential mates and, like gladiators entering an arena, they parade around showing off their armoury of antlers. While the rut is an amazing experience to witness it is also a time when there is an increased incident of road traffic accidents involving deer as male deer go in search of females and younger males are ousted by dominant males forcing deer to cross public roads and motorways.

The Irish Deer Commission are calling on motorists to be vigilant at dawn and dusk, when deer are most active, particularly in high risk areas such as woodlands and mountains. What should drivers do in high risk areas? Reduce speed where they see a warning sign and stay alert. Prepare to stop, never swerve as you could hit another obstacle or oncoming vehicle. When you see a deer “dip your headlights” as the full beam may cause the deer to freeze. If a deer has crossed in front of your vehicle, be aware that others may follow. Do not approach an injured deer.

If you are involved in a road traffic accident involving a deer or come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, immediately contact the local Gardaí. The Irish Deer Commission operate a humane deer dispatch scheme with 135 trained volunteers assisting agencies and charities who deal with an increasing number of deer vehicle collisions nationally.

Ends For further information: [email protected] 087 2496987

Photograph – A County Kerry Red Stag during the rut – photograph by Peter O’Toole with permission to use with this press release

October 7, 2022

Statement by Minister Noonan on Hunting Licences for Game and Open Seasons Order 2022

The Open Season for wild bird hunting will open on 1 September 2022.

Considerable work has been undertaken by NPWS to set out a range of options available for future Open Seasons Order, and a wide ranging consultation with stakeholders and interest groups in relation to future orders will be undertaken over the coming months. While there is no doubt that this will be a challenging process, I am keen to listen to the views of all of the interested parties.

I would also remind the public that only certain species may be hunted, and only at certain times, as set out below. The hunting of deer species may only be done with a rifle and still requires a specific Deer Hunting Licence which may be applied for online at npws.ie

The species, and dates between which hunting may take place is in keeping with previous orders. Based on the information available, the number of species under conservation threat, and our legal obligations under the Birds Directive, changes in the ambit of the 2023/2024 order are very likely. In effect, this will mean the likely removal of certain species from the order. I do, however, intend consulting with the sector on these changes in advance of their application.

It is known that the conservation status of some of the species that may be hunted in Ireland is declining. In order to continue to protect and preserve the conservation status of these species, and to support sustainable hunting practices, a new way forward is required. This must be collaborative, and based on scientific evidence.

HUNTING SEASONS FOR WILD BIRDS & HARES

SPECIES	OPEN SEASON
Red Grouse	1 September to 30 September
Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Golden Plover, Snipe, Jack Snipe.	1 September to 31 January
Red-Legged Partridge, Cock Pheasant, Woodcock, Woodpigeon	1 November to 31 January
Canada Geese Countrywide The counties of Cavan (exclusive of the townlands of Eonish Island, Rinn, Deramfield) and Leitrim (exclusive of the River Shannon)	1 September to 15 October 16 October to 31 January
Greylag Geese Countrywide Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford and Gearagh East, Gearagh West in Co. Cork only	1 September to 15 October 16 October to 31 January
Ruddy Duck	1 September to 31 January
Hares (excluding the following townlands in Co. Wexford: North East Slob, North West Slob, Big Island, Beggerin Island and the Raven).	26 September to 28 February

HUNTING SEASONS FOR DEER SPECIES

SPECIES	OPEN SEASON	LOCATION
Red Male	1 September to 31 December	Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry
Red Female & Antlerless Deer *	1 November to 28 February	Throughout the State Excluding Co. Kerry
Sika Male	1 September to 31 December	Throughout the State
Sika Female & Antlerless Deer *	1 November to 28 February	Throughout the State
Fallow Male	1 September to 31 December	Throughout the State
Fallow Female & Antlerless Deer *	1 November to 28 February	Throughout the State
Muntjac Deer	1 September to 31 August	Throughout the State

*Antlerless deer will be construed as including any male deer without antlers, of less than one year, i.e. a calf.

August 25, 2022

Glenveagh National Park Brings the Curriculum Alive for Irish Teachers

As part of its education and awareness remit, the team of staff at Glenveagh National Park in Donegal have resumed the popular summer teachers course ‘Learning Through The Landscape’, which has welcomed 20 participants from all over the country.

The purpose of the week long course, which started back in 2015, is to help teachers learn more about nature and to be inspired to bring more outdoor learning into their practice. “The success of nature conservation work begins with winning the hearts and minds of people – and there’s no better place to start than schools and teachers”, explains Clare Bromley, Head of Education and Learning at Glenveagh.

The course takes the teachers on a hands on learning journey through a range of habitats and showcases how strands in the curriculum can be made more accessible, interactive and engaging for children when taken outside the classroom. Subjects covered include science, maths, geography, art, history and ICT. Its goal is to use the backdrop of the National Park and surrounding Nature Reserves as inspiration for teachers to learn more about Irish Biodiversity. The course is accredited and approved by the Department of Education & Skills as part of its overall CPD programme for teachers each summer and is run in partnership with Donegal Education Centre.

Enjoying the stunning weather this week, the group, led by the team of Education Guides, have explored the importance of woodlands, peatlands and freshwater habitats and the species found in each. This supports teachers to acquire new knowledge and skills that they can take back to their schools in the year ahead.

Each year Glenveagh works with thousands of school and college students from across the North West, but this popular event remains the highlight of the year, with many teachers keen to share that it is one of the best courses and experiences they have attended.

The participants have had the chance to meet with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Conservation Rangers and also to hear from staff from Inland Fisheries Ireland staff. The course exemplifies the value of strategic partnership working between Departments for the common goal of protecting and raising awareness of nature.

It is hoped that the course will be adapted to run on successive weeks from Summer 2023, given the interest and demand for places.

For more information on the education programme and services in Glenveagh, contact [email protected]

ENDS

August 12, 2022

Minister Noonan encourages everyone who cares for injured wildlife to ensure they are compliant with the law

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has encouraged wildlife enthusiasts and rehabilitators who take care of our injured wildlife to ensure they are compliant with the law this summer by applying for the appropriate licence.

“We have some passionate and dedicated people in Ireland who go to great lengths to care for injured wildlife. They play a vital role in protecting wild species and do great service in bringing such issues to the attention of agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I’d like to remind them, and anyone who looks after injured wild birds or protected wild animals, to ensure that they’ve secured the necessary licence from the NPWS,” Minister Noonan said.

“Without the tireless efforts of wildlife enthusiasts and rehabilitators in the community, I dread to think of the amount of injured wildlife that would be lost, either to injury or to predators, given their vulnerability. To ensure compliance with the law, it is essential that their work is done on a licensed footing and that is what we’re highlighting today.”

He outlined that applying for a licence has been streamlined, and in a bid to make the process even easier, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has released a new application format for those caring for our wildlife.

“The NPWS has upgraded their licencing process for the possession and/or retention of protected wild animals and wild birds under Sections 22 and 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976, and I would urge people to log onto npws.ie to find out more.”

The main change introduced is the splitting of one application form into two to allow for applicants to apply for the possession of wild birds or animals for rehabilitation purposes and, separately, in limited circumstances, to apply to retain such animals or birds that would be unlikely to survive unaided in the wild.

Also new is the introduction of an application form for a licence lasting 12 months aimed at experienced rehabilitators across the country who treat multiple cases on an ongoing basis.

Details of the new forms can be found on the NPWS website here:

https://www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/possession/keep-injured-or-disabled-protected-wild-animal-or-bird

Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)

Email: [email protected]

Website: gov.ie/housing

Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL

July 20, 2022

Corncrake LIFE: new €5.9m EU-funded conservation project aims to deliver a 20% increase in Corncrake population

A new €5.9m EU-funded LIFE project overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was launched in Gort a Choirce in Co. Donegal last Friday March 25^th by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD and Minister of State with responsibility for land use and biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Pippa Hackett TD. The project aims to revive the fortunes of the corncrake and ensure it remains a part of rural landscapes for years to come.

The project team will operate at coastal and island locations in Donegal, Mayo and Galway as well as associated farmland. Over a five-year period, Corncrake LIFE will work collaboratively with farmers and landowners to improve the landscape for the highly endangered bird. Measures will includes creating and maintaining areas of early and late cover, wildlife friendly mowing of grass, provision of refuge areas during meadow harvesting and incentivising later cutting dates. By the end of the five year project, the aim is to deliver a 20% increase on the 2018 population of Corncrake recorded in Ireland.

Locally-based field officers will provide guidance, direction and support to landowners while community engagement officers will work with stakeholders to establish the corncrake as an asset to the areas it frequents. Knowledge exchange groups and targeted schools programmes will be utilized to highlight the needs of the corncrake and create awareness of its endangerment.

The project is collaborating with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fota Wildlife Park and will explore innovations such as flushing bars fitted to tractors to scare birds away from mowers, thermal imaging drones to find nests, and passive acoustic monitoring using high-tech microphones in an attempt to help locate the highly elusive birds.

Corncrake is a species listed for special protection under Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. Once synonymous with the Irish countryside, the population of Corncrake has declined by 85% since the 1970s, with a similar decrease in range, meaning that the species is now effectively confined to Connacht and Donegal, including offshore islands. Supporting Corncrake in these remaining strongholds is critical to the survival of this species in Ireland. Only 188 calling male corncrakes were recorded across Ireland in 2021.

Speaking at the launch Minister Noonan said:

‘The call of the corncrake was once a ubiquitous sound in meadows and grasslands across the island of Ireland. However, rapid changes to farming practices in the 1970’s spelled doom for the bird. The award of this funding demonstrates the ongoing importance of the EU LIFE programme in supporting conservation projects that have a regional or local focus, particularly in rural or peripheral areas. This funding will allow my Department, working in conjunction with stakeholders across Government and the communities in question, to put measures in place to help secure the future of this species, which remains a high conservation priority at a national and European level’.

Minister Hackett added:

“Given the fact that the Corncrake relies so much on habitats used for agricultural reasons, I am delighted that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a key partner in the Corncrake LIFE project. My Department’s involvement reflects our increasing awareness that we need a more a cooperative approach to agri-ecology in our landscape. I was delighted to be able to secure additional funding recently for the results-based element of the Corncrake LIFE project. The use of scorecards to help steer and inform farmers as to what is on their lands is a very practical way of helping to advise farmers how to manage their practices to the benefit of the environment.”

Dr. John Carey of the National Parks and Wildlife Service who manages the project said:

“The efforts will focus primarily on a combination of habitat creation and restoration, although some new and innovative approaches to corncrake conservation will be explored. The project will be developing knowledge exchange groups with farmers and advisors to share information on how to create and maintain high quality corncrake habitats and ensure that landowners can maximise their potential to receive rewards under the results-based pilot scheme.”

ENDS

Notes

Corncrake is listed as a protected species on Annex I of the Birds Directive. The Corncrake’s breeding range extend from Ireland to Asiatic Russia in the northern hemisphere. The Corncrake winters in southern and eastern Africa, migrating northwards to arrive on its breeding grounds from early April onwards and departing again in August and September. Due to the large decreases in both numbers and range, it is on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) list.

Corncrakes require managed habitat throughout the breeding season. Corncrakes require the cover of tall vegetation (>20cm) and are strongly associated with meadows which are traditionally harvested once a year in late summer, where they nest and feed. Annual cutting creates a sward with an open structure, which is easy for the birds to move through, but harvesting means they must find alternative cover adjacent to meadows later in the season. Farming therefore plays a key role in the establishment, maintenance and conservation of Corncrake habitat.

For more information on the project you can contact [email protected] or following them on Twitter @CorncrakeLIFE

March 28, 2022

Heather cutting on the Knockmealdown Mountains

IFA Countryside were recently invited by ABGN Gun Club as they carried out vital conservation work on the glorious Knockmealdown mountains. Also invited was Senator Garrett Ahearn. AGBN raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about the ability to burn heather.

AGBN demonstrated how they manage the heather for one of our iconic game birds; the Irish Red grouse. In ideal conditions, strips of 10 metres wide and 100 metres long would be burned in a controlled manner before the deadline of 1st March. Burning the heather provides a balance of both young and old heather which is essential for its survival. Grouse feed mainly on heather. The heather needs to be healthy and vibrant. An ideal crop would have several stages of growth in any given area.

ABGN had been using controlled burning of the heather since 2004 but in the last number of years, adverse weather conditions involving heavy rainfall meant that this was not possible. The Gun Club were adamant that this vital conservation work should continue so they found another method of controlling the heather. They purchased a mulching head which is attached onto a hymac thus allowing mowing to take place even in adverse weather.

ABGN Gun Club had previously raised concerns with Senator Ahearn about extending the burning dates to allow them to burn the heather. They invited the Senator out to witness first hand their conservation efforts and the value of heather management.

Many thanks to all members of ABGN Gun Club on their fantastic work in stabilising and indeed increasing grouse numbers on the Knockmealdown mountains. Long may it continue.

March 23, 2022

Applications for the 2022/2023 Deer Hunting Season now open and mandatory certification training for first time hunters launched

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced that application forms and guidance notes for the 2022/2023 deer hunting season are now available on the NPWS website at www.npws.ie.

This season will see the introduction of mandatory certification training for first time hunters. The Department through NPWS has been committed to the introduction of this certification training and Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, T.D., said:

“I am delighted that we have now introduced mandatory certification training for first time hunters. This is a vital addition to the deer hunting licencing process and I know these training courses will be delivered to a high and professional standard. The addition of this certification will further enhance safety throughout the countryside and ensure first time hunters are provided with essential knowledge in deer stalking.”

Currently there are three courses approved by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage through NPWS. The Deer Alliance Hunter Competence Assessment Programme (HCAP); Country Sports Ireland’s Deer Stalking Training Course and NARGC’s Deer Stalking Certificate and links to the relevant courses can be found on www.npws.ie or through the outlets’ own websites. Further courses may be approved by the Department as they become available.

The Department continues to modernise the deer hunting licencing process with the introduction of mandatory certification training and work is in train on the development of an eLicencing application system.

Despite the challenges of the past two years, the Department strived to ensure all applications were dealt with in a timely manner and last season, for the first time, over 6,000 licences were issued.

ENDS

Notes

Under the Wildlife Acts, annual licences are required to hunt deer during the Open Season, which is the period during which deer can be legally shot. The Open Season for deer operates generally from 1 September in a given year to 28 February the following year, depending on the species and gender of deer. Over 6,000 deer hunting licences were issued last season.

March 23, 2022

New Website Launched on Rare Breeds and Conservation Grazing

The Irish Native Rare Breeds Society has produced a new website focussing on conservation grazing, with financial support from the National Parks & Wildlife Service. This website has just been launched: https://inrbs.ie

Conservation grazing is a tool that can be used to help achieve sustainable farming practices. In Ireland the use of indigenous traditional breeds are being promoted for the conservation grazing of natural and semi-natural habitats particularly in sensitive areas such as coastal areas and uplands.

John Brennan, Chairman of the Irish Native Rare Breed Society, launching the website said:

“The Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS) is a society dedicated to the promotion of indigenous breeds of domesticated livestock. The society aims to facilitate cooperation between individual breed societies and others who are interested in the breeds for their own sake and those who see a use for the breeds in farming and areas such as land management. The society was originally The Irish Rare Breeds Society (IRBS) and has been in existence since the 1990’s. The INRBS was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2019 as The Irish Rare Breed Society and following a vote at the 2019 AGM the name was changed to The Irish Native Rare Breed Society and this name change was put into effect by The Companies Registration Office in 2020. The society structure allows representatives of each of the indigenous breed societies to sit at board level with equal representation for all affiliated societies.”

Dr. Barry O’Donoghue, Head of Agri-Ecology in the National Parks & Wildlife Service said:

“Agriculture is more than just about food production. The Irish word for agriculture, ‘talmhaíocht’, captures its essence eloquently; working with the ground as opposed to simply taking from it. Agriculture is embedded in and wholly reliant on the natural environment. It can and has shaped our landscape and our natural environment. Much of Ireland’s habitats and species are directly dependent on agriculture. And as much a part of this nexus involving farming and ecology are the domesticated animals, bred over centuries to support and deliver, to carry and to pull, to provide and to be provided for. Our support for this website comes from a thirst for knowledge among farmers and researchers and practitioners. I am often asked for recommendations on stocking rates or practices for particular habitats or species. Every situation can vary, but we hope that this website can be a useful reference and resource to at least help. Over time, it is hoped that further information can be added and refined. There is great knowledge to be gained from older generations of farmers especially and we should make a conscious effort as a country to not lose that knowledge, which was built up over generations. It might ultimately hold the key to the future sustainable management of some of our most important areas for biodiversity.”

ENDS

Photo attached: Droimeann grazing in species rich grassland

March 8, 2022

Reminder on hedge cutting and the law

The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is reminding the public the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of “vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch” between 1st March and 31st August is prohibited.

The prohibition is contained in section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976*. Suspected breaches are investigated by the NPWS and An Garda Síochána. The NPWS took 31 section 40 prosecution cases in 2021 and it hopes that fewer will be necessary this year.

In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity. Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds. They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge.

The prohibition outlined above does not apply (unless done by burning) in a number of circumstances set out in the Act. For businesses, landowners and the general public the most notable of these exemptions are:

The destruction, in the ordinary course of agriculture or forestry, of any vegetation growing on or in any hedge or ditch. In the Act, “agriculture” is defined as including horticulture. Since horticulture includes gardening, the summertime trimming of hedges in the ordinary course of gardening falls under this exemption;
The clearance of vegetation in the course of road or other construction works or in the development or preparation of sites on which any building or other structure is intended to be provided;
The felling, cutting, lopping, trimming or removal of a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation pursuant to section 70 of the Roads Act 1993.

Section 70(2) (a) of the Roads Act 1993 provides that “The owner or occupier of land shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a tree, shrub, hedge or other vegetation on the land is not a hazard or potential hazard to persons using a public road and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road”. NPWS recommends that such “reasonable steps” are taken between 1 September and 28 February, where possible.

It should also be noted that it is an offence under Section 22 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to wilfully destroy, injure, or mutilate the eggs or nest of a wild bird or to wilfully disturb a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or un-flown young birds at any time of the year.

Help protect nature! If you see what you suspect to be a hedge-cutting offence you can report it to your local NPWS office (see www.npws.ie/contact-us) or your local Garda station. Since enforcement staff might not be able to respond immediately, you should take a note of the date and time, and note any vehicle registration numbers involved. Photographs (especially of vehicle number plates) can also be helpful, but there is no need to send them to the NPWS or the Gardaí when reporting.)

Ends

January 25, 2022

SPECIES

OPEN SEASON

HUNTING SEASONS FOR DEER SPECIES

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